Two Topeka men shot in Lawrence early Sunday morning; police seeking persons of interest

As of Monday morning, Lawrence police are still seeking several persons of interest in connection with an early Sunday morning shooting in Lawrence that left two men in critical condition.

Lawrence Police officers were called to Club Magic, 804 W. 24th St., around 3:41 a.m. Sunday after multiple reports of a subject brandishing a gun inside the bar during a dispute. As officers arrived at the club, they heard multiple gunshots going off a few blocks to the north.

Several 911 calls reported gunshots in the 800 block of Greever Terrace, which is about three blocks north of Club Magic and where both men were reportedly shot. Officers found several people on scene, including one of the victims.

Moments later, a vehicle driven by the second gunshot victim crashed into a Lawrence Police Department patrol car in the 23rd Street McDonald's parking lot adjacent to Club Magic, as he attempted to return to the bar for help.

The victims — a 27-year-old male and 33-year-old male, both from Topeka — were transported to area hospitals with life-threatening injuries. The 27-year-old was taken to Overland Park Regional Medical Center, where his condition was said to be improving Sunday afternoon. He remained in critical but stable condition. The 33-year-old went to the Kansas University Hospital in Kansas City, Kan. Hospital officials said they don't provide information on victims of violent crimes.

Lawrence police, with the assistance of other law-enforcement agencies, are currently seeking several persons of interest in connection the shooting. A 22-year-old Topeka man was arrested for displaying a firearm in the bar during the initial disturbance and interfering with duties of police, but Trent McKinley, Lawrence Police spokesman, said it's not clear if the man had any connection to the shooting.

McKinley said they anticipate being able to release the victims' names later Monday, but do not have plans to release information about those they're seeking in connection with the incident.

"We've got a ton of resources devoted to this," McKinley said.

The shooting was the third gun-related disturbance at the club this year.

In March 2012, a 30-year-old Lawrence man was wounded in a shooting at the address, when the building was known as the Taste Lounge, Bar and Grill.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lawrence Police Department at (785) 832-7509 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 843-TIPS (8477). Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous, and anyone with information leading to an arrest is eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.